The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama has described President Akufo-Addo’s nominees for the District Chief Executive (DCE) position are experienced, apt and capable men and women who can hold of their office.

The Minister in a statement said the nominees are: ‘’ “capable men and women with expertise, experience and temperament to head the Assemblies and inspire a new era of rapid development in our country.”

“It is natural that those who were shortlisted and vetted by the President's Committee had high expectations that they will be appointed to serve the nation as Chief Executives of the Assemblies and be the chief representatives of the central government in their districts.

But, it is obvious that only one person can serve in that capacity in every Assembly. The President is grateful to all persons who showed keen interest in this exercise and indicated their availability for this important office.

“It is the wish of the President that those who were not named will appreciate that there are other positions they may be called upon to serve in the interest of the nation.

This is the time for solidarity and focus on overcoming the great challenges that confront our nation so we can build together the prosperous, thriving Ghana we all desire.

“It is the expectation of the President that this will be the last time Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives will be appointed in this manner.

The time has come for the expansion of local democracy to provide for their direct election by the people of their districts.

This was the pledge of the NPP manifesto.

Government is to begin the process of amending the Constitution, and putting in place the necessary measures to ensure the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives.

The President, from henceforth, will have no hand in their appointment. That power will be reserved to the people.”

Meanwhile, out of the 212 nominees only 34 women made it onto the list.

REGION NO. OF DISTRICTS NO. OF WOMEN NOMINEES ASHANTI 29 4 BRONG AHAFO 27 6 CENTRAL 20 2 EASTERN 26 3 G. ACCRA 15 5 NORTHERN 25 4 UPPER EAST UPPER WEST VOLTA WESTERN 13 11 25 21 2 2 3 3